AD Agencies
IAA unveils jury for 16th Olive Crown Awards
Industry leaders and a global juror to judge green marketing awards
MUMBAI: The India chapter of the International Advertising Association has announced the jury for the 16th edition of its Olive Crown Awards, a platform that celebrates communication promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.
This year’s jury brings together a mix of seasoned creative leaders and fresh perspectives from across the advertising and marketing world.
The panel includes K V Sridhar, Carlton D’Silva, Ambareesh Chakraborty, Rymn Massand, Kalpesh Patankar, and Preeti Vyas.
Abhishek Karnani said the awards have steadily built credibility within the global advertising community.
“The Olive Crowns are now in their 16th year and have earned the respect of the global marketing and advertising community. Any award is only as good as its jury, and I am delighted we have a strong blend of members who have judged the awards over many years alongside those evaluating them for the first time. This year we also have an international jury member,” he said.
Echoing the sentiment, Janak Sarda noted that the awards have seen record participation this year, reflecting their growing stature within the industry.
“I am happy that we have received a record number of entries this year, which clearly validates the respect and prestige these awards have garnered over the years,” Sarda said.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on 8 April in Mumbai, where the industry will gather to celebrate campaigns that put sustainability at the centre of their message.
AD Agencies
Havas Media Network India bags integrated media mandate for Aakash Educational Services Limited
PivotRoots and Arena Media to drive 360° strategy for student outreach
NEW DELHI: Havas Media Network India has secured the integrated media mandate for Aakash Educational Services Limited, following a competitive multi-agency pitch, signalling a fresh push by the education major to sharpen its reach among students nationwide.
The mandate will be jointly handled by PivotRoots and Arena Media, both part of the Havas network. Together, they will roll out a full-spectrum media strategy designed to boost AESL’s visibility across digital and traditional platforms.
At the heart of the partnership lies a simple idea: making the brand not just seen, but sought after. The agencies will blend data, technology and creative storytelling to craft campaigns that resonate with students and parents navigating an increasingly digital-first education landscape.
Aakash Educational Services Limited SVP marketing Kanika Kumar Nijhawan said, “At Aakash, we believe success is built through a structured, long-term and data-driven approach. As we expand across the country, adopting a more integrated approach to media is essential. This partnership marks a significant step towards building stronger connections with our audiences.”
Under the arrangement, PivotRoots will spearhead digital and performance marketing, covering social media, influencer collaborations and data-led optimisation. Meanwhile, Arena Media will focus on traditional channels including print, television, radio, cinema and outdoor advertising, ensuring consistent messaging across touchpoints.
Havas Media Network India chief executive officer Mohit Joshi said, “Delivering for a powerhouse like AESL requires both scale and precision. By combining Arena Media and PivotRoots, we are deploying our Converged.AI platform to create a 360-degree strategy that drives engagement, conversions and long-term growth.”
Echoing the sentiment, PivotRoots founder and chief executive officer Shibu Shivanandan added that the collaboration would focus on building “impactful, full-funnel experiences” powered by deep analytics and performance-led marketing.
With a strong legacy in coaching for medical and engineering entrance exams, AESL is now doubling down on integrated media to stay ahead in a crowded, fast-evolving education market. The partnership with Havas signals a clear intent: to turn visibility into meaningful engagement and, ultimately, student success.
